NICEVILLE, Fla. — A 12-year-old gymnast from Niceville is competing in a national online contest that combines athletic recognition with charitable giving.
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Daniella Bagdasarov, a straight-A student at Ruckel Middle School and athlete at US Gold Gymnastics, is advancing in Colossal’s 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year competition.
Colossal hosts online contests in which athletes and other competitors earn votes from supporters. Votes are free and can be cast daily, while additional votes may be purchased as donations. Proceeds benefit charities tied to each contest.
This competition supports the Why Not You Foundation, founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, and the V Foundation for cancer research. The winner will receive $25,000 toward future training and appear in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated.
Voting opened July 28, and Daniella has already advanced through five rounds. Quarterfinals run from Sept. 8 to 18, semifinals from Sept. 19 to 25, and finals from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2. The winner will be announced on or before Oct. 17.
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For Daniella, the contest is a chance to share her story of perseverance.
“I want to be able to share my story with other youth athletes who have faced similar setbacks and know that even when things are really hard, you can always overcome them,” she said.
Her story began with success on the mat, winning the 2024 Florida Level 7 Floor title, followed by an unexpected setback. That summer, she was diagnosed with an Osteochondritis dissecans lesion in her elbow caused by overuse.
Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital involved transplanting cartilage from her knee into her elbow. She spent 10 months in rehab, missing the entire 2024–25 season.
“The hardest part was watching my teammates compete without me,” she said.
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“Now that I am fully medically cleared, I am more motivated than ever to regain my strength, perfect the skills I had before my injury, and work towards gaining the new skills I need to make it to the next level.”
Her parents, Avanes and Kristen Bagdasarov, said doctors initially focused only on preserving everyday use of her arm. They feared she might never return to competition, but said her “God given” strength and determination carried her through.
Daniella has been in gymnastics since age two, following her older sister’s footsteps. Her parents describe her as having a “watch me” spirit, eager to prove she can rise to any challenge. Her long-term goal is to become a Division I SEC gymnast.
The family said community support has already been tremendous, with flyers, social media, and friends helping spread the word. But more help will be needed as the final rounds approach.
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Supporters can cast free daily votes for Daniella at https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/daniella-6fcb.
Additional votes may be purchased, with proceeds supporting the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation.
“We would love to have the support of this amazing community that we are blessed to call home,” the Bagdasarovs said.
